Railway track materials and ballast track

Abstract

To provide a railway track material that can fill gaps between sleepers and ballast irrespective of direction, and to provide a ballast track.SOLUTION: A railway track material 40 disposed between sleepers 20 and ballast 30 includes sleeper-side screws placed on the sleepers 20, ballast-side screws that are screwed into the sleeper-side screws and face the ballast 30, and an energizing member of which one end is disposed on the sleeper-side screws or the sleepers 20 and the other end disposed on the ballast-side screws. The sleeper-side screws cannot be moved relative to the sleepers 20, the ballast-side screws are rotatable around the axis of the sleeper-side screws, and the energizing member energizes the ballast-side screws in a direction in which the threaded connection between the sleeper-side screws and the ballast-side screws becomes loose.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to railway track materials and ballast track. [Background technology]

[0002] As a railway track, a so-called ballasted track is sometimes used, in which rail members are laid on sleepers placed on ballast. In a ballasted track, as the ballast wears down, gaps form between the sleepers and the ballast. These gaps cause the sleepers to sink. Patent Document 1 discloses a subsidence compensation device that is placed between the sleepers and the ballast. When a gap occurs between the sleepers and the ballast, the granular material inside the device moves, changing the thickness of the device. This fills the gap and prevents the sleepers from subsiding. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-041795 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the subsidence compensation device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the granular material moves due to gravity. Therefore, it can only deal with gaps that occur vertically between the sleepers and the ballast. In other words, it cannot deal with gaps that occur horizontally.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a railway track material and ballast track that can fill the gap between the sleepers and the ballast regardless of the direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention proposes the following means. The railway track material of the present invention is a railway track material that is placed between a sleeper and ballast, and comprises a sleeper-side screw that is placed on the sleeper, a ballast-side screw that threads into the sleeper-side screw and faces the ballast, and a biasing member whose one end is placed on the sleeper-side screw or the sleeper and whose other end is placed on the ballast-side screw, wherein the sleeper-side screw cannot move relative to the sleeper, the ballast-side screw can rotate around the axis of the sleeper-side screw, and the biasing member biases the ballast-side screw in the direction of loosening the threading between the sleeper-side screw and the ballast-side screw.

[0007] According to this invention, the ballast-side screw is rotatable around the axis of the sleeper-side screw, and the biasing member biases the ballast-side screw in a direction that loosens the threaded engagement between the sleeper-side screw and the ballast-side screw. In other words, the force of the biasing member acts to press the ballast-side screw against the ballast. Therefore, even if the ballast wears, the ballast-side screw can be prevented from separating from the ballast. This makes it possible to fill the gap between the sleeper and the ballast. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the sleeper from sinking due to the gap. Furthermore, the above-mentioned action is achieved by the force of the biasing member. In other words, it acts without using gravity. Therefore, it can be used regardless of direction.

[0008] In addition, the ballast track of the present invention comprises the railway track material of the present invention, rail members on which a railway runs, sleepers on which the rail members are arranged, and ballast that supports the sleepers.

[0009] According to the present invention, the railway track material of the present invention is provided, which allows gaps between the sleepers and the ballast to be filled with the railway track material, thereby preventing subsidence of the sleepers in the ballast track.

[0010] The sleeper may also have a first surface that faces the ballast and is flush over the entire surface, and the sleeper-side screws may be arranged on the first surface.

[0011] According to this invention, the sleeper has a first surface that faces the ballast and is flush over the entire surface, and the sleeper-side screws are arranged on the first surface. This allows the railway track material of the present invention to be placed on the ballast track without any special processing of the sleeper.

[0012] Furthermore, a recess may be provided on the surface of the sleeper facing the ballast, and the railway track material may be placed inside the recess.

[0013] According to this invention, a recess is provided on the surface of the sleeper facing the ballast, and the railway track material is placed inside the recess, so that the railway track material of the present invention can be placed on the ballasted track without affecting the placement of the ballast around the sleeper. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a railway track material and a ballast track that can fill gaps between sleepers and ballast regardless of direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a first example of a ballasted track according to the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of a first railway track material according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a modified example of the first railway track material according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of part IV shown in FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a second example of a ballasted track according to the present invention. [Figure 6] 6 is a first example of an enlarged view of a portion VI shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second railway track material according to the present invention. [Figure 8] 6 is a second example of an enlarged view of part VI shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 9]10 is a third example of a ballasted track according to the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the X portion shown in FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a fourth example of a ballasted track according to the present invention. [Figure 12] 12 is a first example of an enlarged view of part XII shown in FIG. 11. [Figure 13] 12 is a second example of an enlarged view of part XII shown in FIG. 11. [Figure 14] 5 is a fifth example of a ballasted track according to the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the XV portion shown in FIG. [Figure 16] 6 is a sixth example of a ballasted track according to the present invention. [Figure 17] 17 is a first example of an enlarged view of part XVII shown in FIG. 16. [Figure 18] 17 is a second example of an enlarged view of part XVII shown in FIG. 16. [Figure 19] This is an example of construction of sleepers equipped with railway track materials. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between railway track materials, sleepers, and ballast. [Figure 21] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a gap occurs between a sleeper and ballast. [Figure 22] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the railroad track material fills the gap between the sleeper and the ballast. [Figure 23] 6 is a first modified example of the VI section shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 24] 6 is a second modified example of the VI section shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a railway track material 40 and a ballast track 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. The ballast track 100 is used, for example, to lay rails on which a railway runs. In the following description, each direction will be referred to as follows: The direction in which the railway runs will be referred to as the traveling direction Y. The height direction of the railway will be referred to as the vertical direction Z. The direction perpendicular to the traveling direction Y and the vertical direction Z will be referred to as the left-right direction X. As shown in FIG. 1, a ballasted track 100 according to this embodiment includes a rail member 10, a sleeper 20, ballast 30, and a railway track material 40.

[0017] The rail members 10 are the parts on which the train runs. Specifically, they are the parts that the wheels come into contact with when the train runs. The rail members 10 are arranged in pairs along the direction of travel Y. For example, steel is preferably used for the rail members 10. However, other materials may also be used for the rail members 10. The sleepers 20 are components on which the rail members 10 are arranged. A plurality of sleepers 20 are provided at intervals along the traveling direction Y. The sleepers 20 have a first surface 20s. The first surface 20s is the surface facing the ballast 30. The first surface 20s is flush over its entire surface.

[0018] For example, glass fiber reinforced urethane foam, wood, or prestressed concrete is preferably used for the sleepers 20. Other materials may also be used for the sleepers 20. In this embodiment, Eslon Neo Lumber FFU (product name) manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd. is used for the sleepers 20. The dimensions of the sleepers 20 are as follows: thickness in the up-down direction Z is 150 mm, width in the traveling direction Y is 240 mm, and length in the left-right direction X is 2400 mm.

[0019] The ballast 30 supports the sleepers 20. For example, crushed stone or gravel is preferably used for the ballast 30. Crushed stone or gravel made from, for example, granite is preferably used for the crushed stone or gravel. The ballast 30 is spread evenly along the traveling direction Y. As shown in FIG. 1 , the sleepers 20 are arranged, for example, inside the spread ballast 30 so that they are embedded with their upper surfaces exposed.

[0020] The railway track material 40 is placed between the sleepers 20 and the ballast 30. Here, the ballast 30 wears down due to the load applied when a train travels on the rail member 10. This causes a gap to form between the sleepers 20 and the ballast 30. This gap can cause the sleepers 20 to sink or become displaced. The railway track material 40 fills the gap that forms between the sleepers 20 and the ballast 30. This prevents the sleepers 20 from sinking or becoming displaced even if the ballast 30 wears down.

[0021] Examples of the railway track material 40 include a first railway track material 41 and a second railway track material 42. The first railway track material 41 is a first example of the railway track material 40 according to this embodiment. The second railway track material 42 is a second example of the railway track material 40 according to this embodiment. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the first railway track material 41 and the second railway track material 42, they will be referred to as the railway track material 40. Both the first railway track material 41 and the second railway track material 42 may be provided for one sleeper 20, or only one of the first railway track material 41 and the second railway track material 42 may be provided.

[0022] (Regarding No. 1 Railway Track Material 41) As shown in Figure 2, the first railway track material 41 includes a first sleeper side screw 41a (sleeper side screw), a first ballast side screw 41b (ballast side screw), a first biasing member 41c (biasing member), and a first rotating plate 41d.

[0023] The first sleeper side screw 41a is arranged in a portion of the sleeper 20 facing the ballast 30. The first sleeper side screw 41a cannot move relative to the sleeper 20. In other words, the first sleeper side screw 41a is fixed to the sleeper 20. The first sleeper side screw 41a is a cylindrical member with open ends. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the first sleeper-side screw 41a is, for example, 36 mm. The height of the first sleeper-side screw 41a is, for example, 36 mm when the first railway track material 41 is placed on the underside of the sleeper 20. The height of the cylindrical shape of the first sleeper-side screw 41a is, for example, 56 mm when the first railway track material 41 is placed on the side surface other than the underside of the sleeper 20.

[0024] Hereinafter, when describing the dimensions of each component of the first railway track material 41, different dimensions may be described depending on whether the first railway track material 41 is placed on the underside of the sleeper 20 or on a side surface other than the underside of the sleeper 20. Here, when the first railway track material 41 is placed on the underside of the sleeper 20, the first railway track material 41 receives the load of the train running on the rail member 10 via the sleeper 20. For this reason, the first railway track material 41 needs to be able to withstand a greater load than when it is placed on a side surface other than the underside of the sleeper 20. The difference in dimensions is due to the reasons stated above.

[0025] The first sleeper-side screw 41a has a female thread on its inner circumferential surface. The first ballast-side screw 41b is inserted into one end of the first sleeper-side screw 41a. The other end of the first sleeper-side screw 41a may or may not be closed by a lid-like member. The material of the first sleeper side screw 41a is not particularly limited. For example, iron, stainless steel, brass, aluminum, titanium, resin, etc. are preferably used for the first sleeper side screw 41a. In this embodiment, stainless steel is used for the first sleeper side screw 41a.

[0026] The first ballast-side screw 41b is a rod-shaped member. In this embodiment, the length of the first ballast-side screw 41b is, for example, 45 mm when the first railway track material 41 is placed on the underside of the sleeper 20. The length of the first ballast-side screw 41b is, for example, 65 mm when the first railway track material 41 is placed on the side surface other than the underside of the sleeper 20.

[0027] One end of the first ballast-side screw 41b is threadedly engaged with the first sleeper-side screw 41a. In other words, one end of the first ballast-side screw 41b has a male thread portion that corresponds to the female thread portion of the first sleeper-side screw 41a. The first ballast-side screw 41b is rotatable around the axis of the first sleeper-side screw 41a. The other end of the first ballast-side screw 41b faces the ballast 30.

[0028] When the first ballast-side screw 41b rotates from a state in which it is threaded into the first sleeper-side screw 41a fixed to the sleeper 20 in a direction that loosens the threading, i.e., in a direction in which the first ballast-side screw 41b comes off the first sleeper-side screw 41a, the other end of the first ballast-side screw 41b moves so as to be pressed against the ballast 30. This movement is performed in order to fill any gaps that may occur between the sleeper 20 and the ballast 30 (details will be described later).

[0029] There is no particular limitation on the material of the first ballast side screw 41b, and the first ballast side screw 41b may be made of, for example, iron, stainless steel, brass, aluminum, titanium, or resin. The first sleeper-side screw 41a and the first ballast-side screw 41b may be made of the same material or different materials. In this embodiment, the first ballast-side screw 41b is made of stainless steel.

[0030] The male and female threads of the first sleeper-side screw 41a and the first ballast-side screw 41b that screw together will be described below. Note that, hereinafter, the male and female threads will be collectively referred to as screws. The shape of the screw is not particularly limited. For example, a triangular screw, a square screw, a trapezoidal screw, a round screw, etc. In this embodiment, trapezoidal screws are used for the first sleeper-side screw 41a and the first ballast-side screw 41b. The screw direction may be either right-handed or left-handed. The number of threads is not particularly important. A coil screw may be used for the female thread portion of the first sleeper-side screw 41a.

[0031] In this embodiment, the length of the screw, i.e., the amount of movement of the first ballast-side screw 41b relative to the first sleeper-side screw 41a, is not particularly important. The length of the screw is preferably determined appropriately depending on the size of the gap between the sleeper 20 and the ballast 30 that is expected to occur in the ballasted track 100, and the frequency and speed at which the gap occurs.

[0032] For example, when the first railway track material 41 is placed on the underside of the sleeper 20, it is assumed that a gap of about 10 mm will be formed. In this case, it is preferable that the first ballast-side screw 41b has a movable amount of at least 10 mm relative to the first sleeper-side screw 41a. If it is assumed that the size of the gap will gradually increase, a longer screw length may be provided.

[0033] If it is assumed that the arrangement of the ballast 30 on the ballasted track 100 will be periodically corrected by compacting it using heavy machinery or the like, the amount of movement of the first ballast-side screw 41b relative to the first sleeper-side screw 41a may be relatively small. In this case, it is preferable to appropriately determine the amount of movement of the first ballast-side screw 41b relative to the first sleeper-side screw 41a depending on the frequency at which the arrangement of the ballast 30 is corrected by compacting it.

[0034] In this embodiment, when the first railway track material 41 is placed on the underside of the sleeper 20, the amount of movement of the first ballast-side screw 41b relative to the first sleeper-side screw 41a is, for example, 20 mm. When the first railway track material 41 is placed on a side surface other than the underside of the sleeper 20, the amount of movement of the first ballast-side screw 41b relative to the first sleeper-side screw 41a is, for example, 40 mm.

[0035] In this embodiment, the thickness of the screw is not particularly important. However, when the first railway track material 41 is placed on the underside of the sleeper 20, the railway load applied to the sleeper 20 must be sufficiently transmitted to the ballast 30. Here, the load is, for example, about 10 tons. Therefore, the thickness of the screw must be thick enough to withstand the load.

[0036] The load is applied as a compressive shear load to the threads of the first sleeper-side screw 41a and the first ballast-side screw 41b. Therefore, the screw thickness and number of threads must be sufficient to withstand the load. This does not apply when the first railway track material 41 is placed on a side surface other than the underside of the sleeper 20. In other words, since it does not have the role of transmitting the load of the railway to the ballast 30, the thickness of the screw may be relatively thin. In this embodiment, the load that the screw can handle is, for example, 10 tons. The threaded portions of the first sleeper-side screw 41a and the first ballast-side screw 41b have, for example, a diameter of 24 mm and a pitch of 8 mm.

[0037] The first biasing member 41c biases the first ballast-side screw 41b in a direction that loosens the engagement between the first sleeper-side screw 41a and the first ballast-side screw 41b. The first biasing member 41c is preferably, for example, a power spring, a torsion coil spring, or any other common spring. The first biasing member 41c biases the first ballast-side screw 41b by the restoring force of the wire material. The first biasing member 41c is preferably made of metal or resin, and more preferably made of steel or stainless steel.

[0038] In this embodiment, a stainless steel torsion coil spring is used for the first biasing member 41c. The wire forming the torsion coil spring has a thickness of 0.1 mm and a width of 5 mm. The length of the wire is, for example, 1100 mm when the first railway track material 41 is placed on the underside of the sleeper 20. The length of the wire is, for example, 1600 mm when the first railway track material 41 is placed on a side surface other than the underside of the sleeper 20.

[0039] The attachment position of the first biasing member 41c is not particularly limited, provided that it does not interfere with the threading of the first sleeper-side screw 41a and the first ballast-side screw 41b or with the arrangement of the sleeper 20. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, one end of the first biasing member 41c is arranged on the first sleeper-side screw 41a. Specifically, the one end of the first biasing member 41c is arranged on the side of the outer peripheral surface of the first sleeper-side screw 41a that is closer to the insertion portion 41ai of the first ballast-side screw 41b. The other end of the first biasing member 41c is arranged on the first ballast-side screw 41b. Specifically, the other end of the first biasing member 41c is arranged on the side of the other end of the first ballast-side screw 41b. One end of the first biasing member 41c may be disposed on the sleeper 20.

[0040] There is no particular limit to the method of connecting the first biasing member 41c to the first sleeper-side screw 41a, the first ballast-side screw 41b, or the sleeper 20. For example, metal welding or bonding with an adhesive is preferably used to connect the first biasing member 41c. Alternatively, a groove may be formed in the first sleeper-side screw 41a, the first ballast-side screw 41b, or the sleeper 20, and the end of the first biasing member 41c may be fitted into the groove to connect the first biasing member 41c. In this embodiment, the first biasing member 41c is fixed to the outer peripheral surfaces of the first sleeper-side screw 41a and the first ballast-side screw 41b with an adhesive. The first biasing member 41c may be attached to the cylindrical interior of the first sleeper-side screw 41a, as shown in Fig. 3 .

[0041] The first rotating plate 41d is a plate that contacts the ballast 30. The first rotating plate 41d is rotatably attached to the other end of the first ballast-side screw 41b. Specifically, the first rotating plate 41d is attached to the other end of the first ballast-side screw 41b via a bearing, for example. The first rotating plate and the other end of the first ballast-side screw 41b may also be connected by a ball joint. Specifically, the other end of the first ballast-side screw 41b may have a spherical portion, and the first rotating plate may have a portion in the center that can accommodate the spherical portion, and these may be connected so as to fit together. In this way, the first rotating plate 41d may be rotatably attached to the other end of the first ballast-side screw 41b. Here, if the other end of the first ballast-side screw 41b is in direct contact with the ballast 30, when the first ballast-side screw 41b rotates, the other end of the first ballast-side screw 41b rubs against the ballast 30. The frictional force generated at this time may make it difficult for the first ballast-side screw 41b to rotate.

[0042] When the first rotating plate 41d is in contact with the ballast 30, the first rotating plate 41d does not rotate even when the first ballast-side screw 41b rotates. Therefore, the rotation of the first ballast-side screw 41b simply presses the first rotating plate 41d against the ballast 30. In this way, the first rotating plate 41d serves to prevent the generation of the frictional force and make it easier for the first ballast-side screw 41b to rotate. Furthermore, the first rotating plate 41d comes into contact with a wider area of ​​the ballast 30 compared to when only the other end of the first ballast-side screw 41b comes into contact with the ballast 30. This serves to fill the gap between the sleeper 20 and the ballast 30 over a wider area. In this embodiment, the first rotary plate 41d is, for example, a stainless steel disk having a thickness of 4 mm and an outer diameter of 80 mm.

[0043] The first railway track material 41 having the above-described configuration is placed on the sleeper 20 so that the first sleeper-side screw 41a is placed on the first surface 20s, as shown in Fig. 4. At this time, it is preferable to cover the periphery of the first railway track material 41 with a covering member F. The covering member F is provided, for example, to prevent the first biasing member 41c, which is located outside the first sleeper side screw 41a and the first ballast side screw 41b, from interfering with the ballast 30 and preventing a sufficient biasing effect from being obtained.

[0044] As shown in Fig. 4, the covering member F includes a sleeper-side covering member F1 and a ballast-side covering member F2. The sleeper-side covering member F1 and the ballast-side covering member F2 each have a shape with a bottom at one end of a cylindrical member. In this embodiment, the thickness of the sleeper-side covering member F1 and the ballast-side covering member F2 is 4 mm. An example of the dimensions of each part of the sleeper-side covering member F1 and the ballast-side covering member F2 in this embodiment is as follows:

[0045] The bottom of the sleeper-side covering member F1 is a rectangle of 100 mm x 100 mm. The cylindrical height of the sleeper-side covering member F1 is 49 mm when the first railway track material 41 is placed on the underside of the sleeper 20. The cylindrical height of the sleeper-side covering member F1 is 69 mm when the first railway track material 41 is placed on the side of the sleeper 20 other than the underside. The bottom of the ballast-side covering member F2 is a rectangle measuring 94 mm x 94 mm. The cylindrical height of the ballast-side covering member F2 is 47 mm when the first railway track material 41 is placed on the underside of the sleeper 20. The cylindrical height of the ballast-side covering member F2 is 67 mm when the first railway track material 41 is placed on the side of the sleeper 20 other than the underside.

[0046] The sleeper-side covering member F1 is fixed to the sleeper 20. There is no particular limit to the method for fixing the sleeper-side covering member F1 to the sleeper 20. For example, adhesion with an adhesive or fastening with screws is preferably used. In this embodiment, the sleeper-side covering member F1 is fixed to the sleeper 20 with a tapping screw. Furthermore, when a covering member F is provided, the first sleeper-side screw 41a is attached to the sleeper-side covering member F1 with an adhesive. The ballast-side covering member F2 contacts the ballast 30. The ballast-side covering member F2 is attached so as to be movable in accordance with the movement of the first ballast-side screw 41b.

[0047] The ballast side covering member F2 is attached to the first rotating plate 41d, for example. At this time, it is preferable that the ballast side covering member F2 and the first rotating plate 41d do not move relative to each other. In this embodiment, the ballast side covering member F2 and the first rotating plate 41d are attached to each other by, for example, an adhesive. The ballast-side covering member F2 may be attached to the first ballast-side screw 41b, for example. That is, in this case, the first rotating plate 41d is not provided in the first railway track material 41. In this case, it is preferable that the ballast-side covering member F2 and the first ballast-side screw 41b are relatively rotatable around the axial direction of the first ballast-side screw 41b.

[0048] When the first railway track material 41 with the covering member F is placed under the sleeper 20, it is preferable that the ballast-side covering member F2 is inserted into the sleeper-side covering member F1 and overlap with each other, as shown in Figure 4. This makes it difficult for rainwater and dust to enter the inside of the covering member F. When the first railway track material 41 equipped with the covering member F is placed on a side other than the lower part of the sleeper 20, it is preferable that a drain hole (not shown) be provided to drain rainwater and dust that has entered the inside of the covering member F. There is no particular limitation on the material of the covering member F. For example, the covering member F made of metal, resin, fiber-reinforced plastic, or ceramic is preferably used.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first railway track material 41 may be disposed on the sleeper 20 such that the first sleeper-side screw 41a is disposed within a recess 20D provided on the surface of the sleeper 20 facing the ballast 30. In this case, it is preferable that the first rotating plate 41d be disposed flush with the first surface 20s. To minimize the size of the recess 20D, the first rotating plate 41d does not have to be disposed within the recess 20D. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, the surface of the first rotating plate 41d facing the sleeper 20 may be disposed so as to contact the first surface 20s. It is also preferable that the recess 20D be large enough so that it does not interfere with the first biasing member 41c. In this case, the method of fixing the inner peripheral surface of the recess 20D of the sleeper 20 to the first sleeper-side screw 41a is not particularly limited, and for example, adhesion with an adhesive or fastening with a screw is preferably used. In this embodiment, the recess 20D and the first sleeper-side screw 41a are fixed with an adhesive.

[0050] (Regarding No. 2 Railway Track Material 42) As shown in Figure 7, the second railway track material 42 includes a second sleeper side screw 42a (sleeper side screw), a second ballast side screw 42b (ballast side screw), a second biasing member 42c (biasing member), and a second rotating plate 42d.

[0051] The second sleeper side screw 42a is arranged in a portion of the sleeper 20 facing the ballast 30. The second sleeper side screw 42a cannot move relative to the sleeper 20. In other words, the second sleeper side screw 42a is fixed to the sleeper 20. The second sleeper side screw 42a is a rod-shaped member. In this embodiment, the length of the second sleeper side screw 42a is, for example, 45 mm when the second railway track material 42 is arranged on the underside of the sleeper 20. The length of the rod-shaped member is, for example, 65 mm when the second railway track material 42 is arranged on a side surface other than the underside of the sleeper 20.

[0052] Hereinafter, when describing the dimensions of each component of the second railway track material 42, different dimensions may be described depending on whether the second railway track material 42 is placed on the underside of the sleeper 20 or on a side surface other than the underside of the sleeper 20. Here, when the second railway track material 42 is placed on the underside of the sleeper 20, the second railway track material 42 receives the load of the train running on the rail member 10 via the sleeper 20. For this reason, the second railway track material 42 needs to be able to withstand a greater load than when it is placed on a side surface other than the underside of the sleeper 20. The difference in dimensions is due to the reasons mentioned above.

[0053] One end of the second sleeper-side screw 42a has a male thread portion, and the other end of the second sleeper-side screw 42a has a sleeper-side flange 42af. In this embodiment, the sleeper-side flange 42af is a disk having a thickness of 4 mm and an outer diameter of 36 mm. The sleeper-side flange 42af is a portion that comes into contact with the surface of the sleeper 20 when the second sleeper-side screw 42a is attached to the sleeper 20.

[0054] The second sleeper side screw 42a and the sleeper side flange 42af may be made of any material. The second sleeper side screw 42a and the sleeper side flange 42af are preferably made of, for example, iron, stainless steel, brass, aluminum, titanium, or resin. In this embodiment, the second sleeper side screw 42a is made of stainless steel. The sleeper side flange 42af is, for example, molded integrally with the second sleeper side screw 42a.

[0055] The second ballast-side screw 42b screws into the second sleeper-side screw 42a. In other words, the second ballast-side screw 42b is a female screw. The second ballast-side screw 42b is a cylindrical member with open ends. The inner circumferential surface of the second ballast-side screw 42b is formed with a female screw portion that corresponds to the male screw portion of the second sleeper-side screw 42a.

[0056] In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the second sleeper-side screw 42a is, for example, 36 mm. The height of the second sleeper-side screw 42a is, for example, 36 mm when the second railway track material 42 is placed on the underside of the sleeper 20. The height of the second sleeper-side screw 42a is, for example, 56 mm when the second railway track material 42 is placed on the side surface other than the underside of the sleeper 20.

[0057] The second ballast-side screw 42b is rotatable around the axis of the second sleeper-side screw 42a. One end of the second ballast-side screw 42b faces the second sleeper-side screw 42a. The other end of the second ballast-side screw 42b faces the ballast 30. In this embodiment, a ballast-side flange 42bf is provided at the other end of the second ballast-side screw 42b. In this embodiment, the ballast side flange 42bf is a disk having a thickness of 4 mm and an outer diameter of 80 mm, for example. A second rotating plate 42d, which will be described later, is attached to the ballast side flange 42bf.

[0058] When the second ballast-side screw 42b rotates from a state in which it is threaded into the second sleeper-side screw 42a fixed to the sleeper 20 in a direction that loosens the threading, i.e., in a direction in which the second ballast-side screw 42b comes off the second sleeper-side screw 42a, the ballast-side flange 42bf moves so as to be pressed against the ballast 30. This movement is performed in order to fill any gaps that may occur between the sleeper 20 and the ballast 30.

[0059] The second ballast side screw 42b and the ballast side flange 42bf may be made of any material. The second ballast side screw 42b and the ballast side flange 42bf are preferably made of, for example, iron, stainless steel, brass, aluminum, titanium, or resin. The second sleeper side screw 42a and the second ballast side screw 42b may be made of the same material or different materials. In this embodiment, the second ballast side screw 42b is made of stainless steel. The ballast side flange 42bf is molded integrally with the second ballast side screw 42b.

[0060] The male and female threads of the second sleeper-side screw 42a and the first ballast-side screw 41b that screw together will be described below. Note that, hereinafter, the male and female threads will be collectively referred to as screws. The shape of the screw is not particularly limited. For example, a triangular screw, a square screw, a trapezoidal screw, a round screw, etc. In this embodiment, trapezoidal screws are used for the second sleeper-side screws 42a and the second ballast-side screws 42b. The screw direction may be either right-handed or left-handed. The number of threads on the screw is not particularly important. A coil screw may be used for the female thread portion of the second ballast side screw 42b.

[0061] In this embodiment, the length of the screw, i.e., the amount of movement of the second ballast-side screw 42b relative to the second sleeper-side screw 42a, is not particularly important. The length of the screw is preferably determined appropriately depending on the size of the gap between the sleeper 20 and the ballast 30 that is expected to occur in the ballasted track 100, and the frequency and speed at which the gap occurs.

[0062] For example, when the second railway track material 42 is placed on the underside of the sleeper 20, it is assumed that a gap of about 10 mm will be formed. In this case, it is preferable that the second ballast-side screw 42b has a movable amount of at least 10 mm relative to the second sleeper-side screw 42a. If it is assumed that the size of the gap will gradually increase, a longer screw length may be provided.

[0063] If it is assumed that the arrangement of the ballast 30 on the ballasted track 100 will be periodically corrected by compacting it using heavy machinery or the like, the amount of movement of the second ballast-side screw 42b relative to the second sleeper-side screw 42a may be relatively small. In this case, it is preferable to appropriately determine the amount of movement of the second ballast-side screw 42b relative to the second sleeper-side screw 42a depending on the frequency at which the arrangement of the ballast 30 is corrected by compacting it.

[0064] In this embodiment, when the second railway track material 42 is placed on the underside of the sleeper 20, the amount of movement of the second ballast-side screw 42b relative to the second sleeper-side screw 42a is, for example, 20 mm. When the second railway track material 42 is placed on a side surface other than the underside of the sleeper 20, the amount of movement of the second ballast-side screw 42b relative to the second sleeper-side screw 42a is, for example, 40 mm.

[0065] In this embodiment, the thickness of the screw is not particularly important. However, when the second railway track material 42 is placed on the underside of the sleeper 20, the railway load applied to the sleeper 20 must be sufficiently transmitted to the ballast 30. Here, the load is, for example, about 10 tons. Therefore, the thickness of the screw must be thick enough to withstand the load.

[0066] Here, the load is applied as a compressive shear load to the threads of the second sleeper-side screws 42a and the second ballast-side screws 42b. For this reason, the screws must have a thickness and number of threads that can withstand the load. This does not apply if the second railway track material 42 is placed on a side surface other than the underside of the sleeper 20. In other words, since it does not have the role of transmitting the railway load to the ballast 30, the thickness of the screw may be relatively thin. In this embodiment, the load that the screw can handle is, for example, 10 tons. The threaded portions of the second sleeper-side screw 42a and the second ballast-side screw 42b have, for example, a diameter of 24 mm and a pitch of 8 mm.

[0067] The second biasing member 42c biases the second ballast-side screw 42b in a direction that loosens the engagement between the second sleeper-side screw 42a and the second ballast-side screw 42b. The second biasing member 42c is preferably, for example, a power spring, a torsion coil spring, or any other common spring. The second biasing member 42c biases the second ballast-side screw 42b by the restoring force of the wire rod. The second biasing member 42c is preferably made of metal or resin, and more preferably made of steel or stainless steel.

[0068] In this embodiment, a stainless steel torsion coil spring is used for the second biasing member 42c. The wire forming the torsion coil spring is, for example, 0.1 mm thick and 5 mm wide. The length of the wire is, for example, 1100 mm when the second railway track material 42 is placed on the underside of the sleeper 20. The length of the wire is, for example, 1600 mm when the second railway track material 42 is placed on a side surface other than the underside of the sleeper 20.

[0069] The attachment position of the second biasing member 42c is not particularly limited, provided that it does not interfere with the threading of the second sleeper-side screw 42a and the second ballast-side screw 42b or with the arrangement of the sleeper 20. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, one end of the second biasing member 42c is arranged on the second sleeper-side screw 42a. Specifically, one end of the second biasing member 42c is arranged on the side of the outer peripheral surface of the second ballast-side screw 42b that is closer to the insertion portion 42bi of the second sleeper-side screw 42a. The other end of the second biasing member 42c is arranged on the second sleeper-side screw 42a. Specifically, the other end of the second biasing member 42c is arranged on the side of the other end of the second sleeper-side screw 42a. One end of the second biasing member 42c may be disposed on the sleeper 20.

[0070] There is no particular limit to the method of connecting the second biasing member 42c to the second sleeper-side screw 42a, the second ballast-side screw 42b, or the sleeper 20. For example, metal welding or adhesive bonding is preferably used to connect the second biasing member 42c. Alternatively, a groove may be formed in the second sleeper-side screw 42a, the second ballast-side screw 42b, or the sleeper 20, and the end of the second biasing member 42c may be fitted into the groove to connect the second biasing member 42c. In this embodiment, the second biasing member 42c is fixed to the outer circumferential surfaces of the second sleeper-side screw 42a and the second ballast-side screw 42b with an adhesive.

[0071] The second rotating plate 42d is a plate that contacts the ballast 30. The second rotating plate 42d is rotatably attached to the ballast-side flange 42bf. Specifically, the second rotating plate 42d is attached to the ballast-side flange 42bf via a bearing, for example. Specifically, for example, a rod-shaped protrusion that protrudes toward the second rotating plate 42d is provided at the center of the ballast-side flange 42bf, and a bearing is provided at the center of the second rotating plate, and these are connected. Alternatively, a rod-shaped protrusion may be provided at the center of the second rotating plate, and a bearing may be provided at the center of the ballast-side flange 42bf, and these may be connected.

[0072] The second rotating plate 42d and the ballast-side flange 42bf may also be connected by a ball joint. Specifically, a portion with a spherical tip that protrudes toward the second rotating plate 42d may be provided at the center of the ballast-side flange 42bf, and a portion capable of receiving the tip may be provided at the center of the second rotating plate 42d, and these may be connected to fit together. Alternatively, a portion with a spherical tip that protrudes toward the ballast-side flange 42bf may be provided at the center of the second rotating plate 42d, and a portion capable of receiving the tip may be provided at the center of the ballast-side flange 42bf, and these may be connected to fit together. In this manner, the second rotating plate 42d may be rotatably attached to the other end of the ballast-side flange 42bf. Here, if the ballast-side flange 42bf is in direct contact with the ballast 30, when the second ballast-side screw 42b rotates, the ballast-side flange 42bf rubs against the ballast 30. The frictional force generated at this time may make it difficult for the second ballast-side screw 42b to rotate.

[0073] When the second rotating plate 42d is in contact with the ballast 30, the second rotating plate 42d does not rotate even when the second ballast-side screw 42b rotates. Therefore, the rotation of the second ballast-side screw 42b simply presses the second rotating plate 42d against the ballast 30. In this way, the second rotating plate 42d serves to prevent the generation of the frictional force and make it easier for the second ballast-side screw 42b to rotate. In this embodiment, the second rotary plate 42d is, for example, a stainless steel disk having a thickness of 4 mm and an outer diameter of 80 mm.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 8, the second railway track material 42 is disposed on the sleeper 20 such that the second sleeper-side screw 42a is disposed within a recess 20D provided on the surface of the sleeper 20 facing the ballast 30. In this case, it is preferable that the second rotating plate 42d be disposed flush with the first surface 20s. To minimize the size of the recess 20D, the second rotating plate 42d does not have to be disposed within the recess 20D. For example, as shown in FIG. 24, the surface of the second rotating plate 42d facing the sleeper 20 may be disposed so as to contact the first surface 20s. It is also preferable that the recess 20D be large enough so that it does not interfere with the second biasing member 42c.

[0075] In this case, the method of fixing the inner peripheral surface of the recess 20D of the sleeper 20 to the second sleeper-side screw 42a is not particularly limited, and for example, adhesion with an adhesive or fastening with a screw is preferably used. In this embodiment, the recess 20D and the second sleeper-side screw 42a are fixed by adhering the sleeper-side flange 42af to the bottom surface of the recess 20D.

[0076] The recess 20D and the second sleeper-side screw 42a may be fixed by directly screwing the second sleeper-side screw 42a into the recess 20D. In this case, the sleeper-side flange 42af may not be provided. Also, a male thread portion for screwing into the recess 20D may be separately provided at the other end of the second sleeper-side screw 42a.

[0077] (Regarding the location of the railway track material 40) The position of the railway track material 40 on the sleeper 20 is not particularly limited as long as it is in contact with the ballast 30. In other words, the railway track material 40 is placed on the sleeper 20 in a portion facing the ballast 30.

[0078] The railway track material 40 is disposed, for example, on the underside of the sleeper 20, directly below the rail member 10, as shown in Figures 1 and 4. The railway track material 40 may also be disposed in a recess 20D provided on the underside of the sleeper 20, directly below the rail member 10, as shown in Figures 5, 6, and 8. In this case, the railway track materials 40 may be provided in pairs to match the rail members 10 that are provided in a pair along the direction of travel Y. Alternatively, they may be provided just below one of the pair of rail members 10. In this way, it is preferable to place the railway track materials 40 just below the rail members 10, so that they can more easily withstand the load applied by the railway. The railway track materials 40 may also be provided on the underside of the sleeper 20 in a position other than just below the rail member 10.

[0079] For example, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the railway track materials 40 may be provided in pairs on the side surfaces of the sleepers 20 in the left-right direction X. As shown in Figures 11, 12, and 13, the railway track materials 40 may be arranged in pairs in recesses 20D provided on the side surfaces of the sleepers 20 in the left-right direction X. In this case, the railway track material 40 may be provided on only one of the side surfaces of the sleeper 20 in the left-right direction X.

[0080] For example, as shown in Figures 14 and 15, the railway track materials 40 may be provided in pairs on the side surfaces of the sleepers 20 in the traveling direction Y. As shown in Figures 16, 17, and 18, the railway track materials 40 may be arranged in pairs in recesses 20D provided on the side surfaces of the sleepers 20 in the left-right direction X. In this case, the pair of railway track materials 40 may be further provided as a pair in the left-right direction X. In other words, four railway track materials 40 may be provided on the side surface of the sleeper 20 in the traveling direction Y. Also, the railway track materials 40 may be provided on only one of the side surface of the sleeper 20 in the traveling direction Y and the side surface in the left-right direction X. Furthermore, when placing the railway track material 40 on the side of the sleeper 20 in the traveling direction Y, it is preferable to place it so as to avoid the area where the ballast 30 is to be compacted. In this case, it is preferable to provide the railway track material 40 near the end of the sleeper 20 in the left-right direction X, for example.

[0081] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and a larger number of railway track materials 40 may be provided for each sleeper 20. Only one railway track material 40 may be provided for each sleeper 20. Railway track materials 40 may be provided on multiple surfaces of one sleeper 20.

[0082] (Regarding the construction method of the sleeper 20 having the railway track material 40) As shown in Figure 19, when placing the sleepers 20 with the railway track material 40 attached on the ballast 30, it is preferable to place them in a state where the second ballast-side screws of the first railway track material 41 or the second ballast-side screws 42b of the second railway track material 42 are fixed with a band B or the like so that they do not move toward the ballast 30. After that, once the installation of the sleepers 20 has been completed by compacting the ballast 30 or the like, it is preferable to remove the band B to complete the construction. There is no particular limitation on the material of the band B. Band B made of, for example, polypropylene, nylon, fluororesin, elastomer, or stainless steel is preferably used.

[0083] (Regarding the movement of railway track materials 40) In the ballasted track 100, when the ballast 30 wears down, a gap S occurs between the sleeper 20 and the ballast 30, as shown in Fig. 21. Then, the first biasing member 41c or the second biasing member 42c moves the second ballast-side screw or the second ballast-side screw 42b toward the ballast 30. This fills the gap between the sleeper 20 and the ballast 30, as shown in Fig. 22.

[0084] 21 is imaginary. In an actual usage environment, as the ballast 30 wears down, the second ballast-side screw or the second ballast-side screw 42b moves toward the ballast 30. This prevents the gap S from occurring. In this manner, the railroad track material 40 fills the gap between the sleepers 20 and the ballast 30 .

[0085] As described above, with the railway track material 40 according to this embodiment, the ballast-side screw is rotatable around the axis of the sleeper-side screw, and the biasing member biases the ballast-side screw in a direction that loosens the threaded engagement between the sleeper-side screw and the ballast-side screw. In other words, the force of the biasing member acts to press the ballast-side screw against the ballast 30. Therefore, even if the ballast 30 wears, the ballast-side screw can be prevented from separating from the ballast 30. This fills the gap S between the sleepers 20 and the ballast 30. This prevents the sleeper 20 from sinking due to the gap S. Furthermore, the above-mentioned action is achieved by the force of the biasing member. In other words, it acts without using gravity. Therefore, it can be used in any direction.

[0086] Furthermore, the ballasted track 100 according to this embodiment includes the railway track material 40 according to the present invention. As a result, the gap S occurring between the sleepers 20 and the ballast 30 can be filled with the railway track material 40. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the sleepers 20 from sinking in the ballasted track 100.

[0087] The sleeper 20 has a first surface 20s that faces the ballast 30 and is flush over the entire surface, and the sleeper-side screws are arranged on the first surface 20s. This allows the railway track material 40 according to the present invention to be arranged on the ballast track 100 without any special processing of the sleeper 20.

[0088] Furthermore, a recess is provided on the surface of the sleeper 20 facing the ballast 30, and the railway track material 40 is placed inside the recess. This allows the railway track material 40 according to the present invention to be placed on the ballasted track 100 without affecting the placement of the ballast 30 around the sleeper 20.

[0089] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, if the rotation of the second ballast-side screw is not affected by the frictional force generated between it and the ballast 30, a flange shape may be integrally formed on the other end of the second ballast-side screw instead of providing the first rotating plate 41d on the other end of the second ballast-side screw. Also, if the gap between the sleeper 20 and the ballast 30 can be filled by the other end of the second ballast-side screw without providing the flange shape, the flange shape may not be provided. If the rotation of the second ballast-side screw 42b is not affected by the frictional force generated between it and the ballast 30, the second rotating plate 42d does not need to be provided.

[0090] The covering member F does not have to be provided as long as it is possible to ensure that the first biasing member 41c located on the outer side of the first sleeper-side screw 41a and the second ballast-side screw does not interfere with the ballast 30. In this embodiment, the second railway track material 42 is only described as being disposed inside the recess 20D of the sleeper 20, but the second railway track material 42 may be disposed on the surface of the sleeper 20. In this case, the second railway track material 42 may be disposed inside the covering member F. The dimensions of each member described in this embodiment are merely examples, and any other dimensions may be used.

[0091] In addition, within the scope of the spirit of the present invention, the components in the above-described embodiments may be replaced with well-known components as appropriate, and the above-described modifications may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 10 Rail member 20 sleepers 20s 1st page 30 ballast 40 Railway track materials 100 ballast track

Claims

1. A railway track material disposed between the sleepers and the ballast, a sleeper-side screw disposed on the sleeper; a ballast-side screw that is threaded into the sleeper-side screw and faces the ballast; a biasing member having one end disposed on the sleeper-side screw or the sleeper and the other end disposed on the ballast-side screw; Equipped with The sleeper-side screw is immovable relative to the sleeper, The ballast-side screw is rotatable around the axis of the sleeper-side screw, The biasing member biases the ballast-side screw in a direction that loosens the threaded engagement between the sleeper-side screw and the ballast-side screw. Railway track materials.

2. The railway track material according to claim 1; a rail member on which the railway runs; a sleeper on which the rail member is placed; Ballast supporting the sleepers; Equipped with Ballast track.

3. The sleeper has a first surface facing the ballast and being flush over the entire surface, The sleeper-side screw is disposed on the first surface.

3. A ballast track according to claim 2.

4. A recess is provided on the surface of the sleeper facing the ballast, the railroad track material is disposed within the recess; 3. A ballast track according to claim 2.

Images